“Shirt” vs. “Dress Shirt”: What’s the Difference?

A line illustration of two people with their mouth open, and a giant question mark between them.

The difference between “shirt” and “dress shirt”

  • The main difference between a shirt and a dress shirt is the level of formality.
  • While a shirt can be casual or dressy depending on the fabric and construction, a dress shirt is specifically meant to be worn for formal occasions.
  • Additionally, dress shirts tend to have a more tailored fit and specific design details, like a collar and cuffs, that set them apart from a regular shirt.
Communicate naturally with Engram AI proofreader

What is the definition of “shirt” and “dress shirt”?

Shirt
  • A shirt is a versatile garment that covers the upper body and often the arms.
  • It can be made from a variety of materials, ranging from cotton to silk, and can be casual or formal in style.
  • Shirts may have buttons, zippers, or other closures to secure them in place.
Dress shirt
  • A dress shirt is a formal shirt usually worn for business or formal occasions.
  • It is typically made of lightweight cotton or silk and has a pointed collar and long sleeves with cuffs.
  • Dress shirts are often worn with a suit and tie.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Shirt” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Shirt
644,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. I need to buy a new shirt because my other one ripped yesterday.
  2. My favorite shirt is the one I got on vacation in Hawaii.
  3. He always wears the same shirt to work every day.
Dress shirt
16,800,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. He looked very sharp in his crisp dress shirt and tie.
  2. I love the way a tailored dress shirt fits me.
  3. She wore a beautiful silk dress shirt to the fancy dinner party.
Want to express yourself confidently?
Engram AI proofreader helps you
communicate naturally
An illustration of a person writing freely on their laptop, using Engram.An illustration of a person writing freely on their laptop, using Engram.

Related articles